Jaguars GM out, but Mularkey appears safe for now

Dec. 31, 2012
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Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Mike Mularkey walks out on the field during a timeout against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012, in Jacksonville, Fla. / Stephen Morton, AP

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

by Mike Garafolo, USA TODAY Sports

With the Jacksonville Jaguars' firing general manager Gene Smith on Monday morning, the expectation might be coach Mike Mularkey is next to be given a pink slip.

But it seems that domino might not fall. At least not right away.

Jags owner Shad Khan has been talking to Mularkey about ways to improve in 2013 after the team posted a 2-14 record this season, according to a person informed of Mularkey's status with the team.

The person, who spoke to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to make a statement about Mularkey's job security, also said Khan was very involved in the hiring of Mularkey last year and didn't just sign off on it as one of Smith's decisions.

It's possible the next general manager will want to hire his own coach immediately, though it's unclear what names will be left on the market when that occurs. It's also uncertain if Khan will allow such a quick change.

Mularkey, 51, was 14-18 in two seasons as head coach of the Bills. If he does retain his job, he'll have to turn things around in Jacksonville quickly for the new GM.